Emma Mullins Photography

Catherine and AJ’s summer Greenhouse Loft wedding was an absolute delight! It doesn’t take long to see that these two are clearly a perfect match for each other. Friends and family traveled from near and far to celebrate with these two… and it was the most joyful Chicago wedding!

One thing I loved about Catherine and AJ’s wedding day was how personalized it was. From walking down the aisle together to serving cake from their favorite neighborhood bakery (shout out to Jennivee’s!), every detail was intentional. These two tied the knot in a fleeting ceremony as summer fell down outside the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows (it was awesome!). We later learned about the family rivalry on AJ’s side – a competition for the shortest wedding ceremony! AJ and Catherine were married in a quick nine minutes… but his parents still hold the record with seven. Even though there were no trophies to award, it was still a winning day all around!

Delicious food and drink flowed throughout the night, and the rain let up in time for some gorgeous outdoor portraits (thanks, Nature!). This day was truly a joy to capture, I’m so happy to have been a part of it 🙂

Congrats again, Catherine and AJ! Wishing you the very best Married Life!!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Greenhouse Loft / Florist: Tea Rose Flower Shop / Bride’s dress: BHLDN / Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka / Groom’s suit: Bonobos / Hair & Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago / Engagement ring: Ethan Lord / Wedding bands: R. F. Moeller Jeweler / Caterer: Hearty Boys / Cake: Jennivee’s Bakery / DJ: Style Matters / Videographer: Carlos for EMP / Second Photographer: Alana Lindenfeld

In June, I had the pleasure of capturing Katie and Brad’s intimate Little Goat Diner wedding ceremony. These two had originally hoped for a destination wedding in the Italian countryside, but the world had other plans. Nevertheless, they were committed to tying the knot… and I’m so happy they decided to do so right here in Chicago!

Brad and Katie got ready separately at Nobu Hotel, steps away from the rooftop where they’d marry that afternoon. (I LOVE that we could see Little Goat’s rooftop from their hotel suite!) Lucky for us, the afternoon rain let up just in time for portraits around the neighborhood. We walked to some of my favorite spots in the West Loop, and Katie and Brad were all smiles! Before long, it was time to get these two married 🙂

The intimate rooftop ceremony was officiated by a mutual friend, and couldn’t have been more lovely. One of the things Katie and Brad were excited for in Italy was the delicious food and drink (who wouldn’t be?!), so it only made sense to choose Little Goat as an alternative. If you’re not familiar, Little Goat Diner is among the dozens of recommended restaurants in Chicago’s Restaurant Row. Naturally, the refreshments were a highlight of the evening! Brad gave a heartfelt toast to their guests before dinner, and we even had a chance for sunset photos between courses. All in all, it was the most wonderful Chicago wedding day anyone could ask for!

Katie and Brad: Thank you again for having me in June! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Hotel: Nobu Hotel Chicago / Venue: The Hidden Goat / Florist: Steve’s Flower Market / Bride’s dress: Jane Hill / Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka / Groom’s suit: Brooks Brothers / Hair & Makeup: Refined Beauty / Caterer: Little Goat / Dessert: Sugar Goat

Erica and Eric’s Chicago River Roast Wedding was such a blast! It was a hot, July day in the city… exactly what you hope for when planning a summer wedding. Family and friends traveled from near and far to witness their union, and believe me, the celebration did not disappoint!

The day began with Erica and Eric getting ready separately at The Westin River North. After their happy first look on the Riverwalk, these two were eager to get the party started! We toured the city with the wedding party and got to visit some iconic locations, such as Buckingham Fountain and the skyline view outside Adler Planetarium. They even had custom drink coozies for each member of the party!

River Roast Wedding

Early that evening, Eric and Erica said I Do in the Monarch Room surrounded by loved ones. Their ceremony was classic, elegant, and SO full of joy – in fact, some of my favorite ceremony photos of all time are from this day!

Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed gorgeous weather while sipping cocktails along the Chicago River. The night continued with delicious food, dancing, and the biggest Newlywed SMILES!! Eric and Erica wanted a classic Chicago wedding, and I’d say it came together perfectly. I was even lucky enough to capture their first piggy-back ride as husband and wife 🙂

Erica and Eric: Thank you again for having me in July!! This was such a fun day to capture, wishing you both all the happiness in the world.

Vendor Team

Venue: River Roast Chicago/Hotel: The Westin River North/Bride’s dress: Madeline Gardner/Bride’s shoes: Nina/Groom’s suit: Alexandre of England/Florals: Florist and Hound Design/Hair Stylist: Joey Zaprzal, Hairchology/Makeup Artist: Angela Makeup/Invitation: XOXO Invites/Rings: Imperial Jewelry Company/DJ: O’Dea Entertainment/Caterer: River Roast/Cake: Bittersweet Pastry Shop

Want to see more Erica & Eric? Check out their spring engagement session with surprise Chicago fog!

Ariel and Aaron’s summer Ignite Glass Studio wedding took place on a beautiful Thursday in August. Their prayers for nice weather paid off – there was not a cloud in the sky! It happened to be the first day of the Chicago Air and Water Show, but these two didn’t need the additional entertainment. This eventful wedding day was filled emotion, tradition, and loved ones from near and far.

Guests traveled from all over the world to join Ariel and Aaron as they entered into marriage. Neither of them native Chicagoans, these two met in our city by chance. Now they call Chicago home, and getting married here was so intentional! After about a week of separation before their wedding, Ariel and Aaron were reunited during their rooftop Bedeken. The courtyard wedding ceremony was immediately to follow.

Some of my favorite details from this day include their DIY ceremony program The Newlywed Times, their lively dance floor (I don’t think one guest remained seated), and of course the epic Donut Wall (Ariel’s favorite!). Guests even got a live glass-blowing demonstration by the artists at Ignite during the reception! How cool is that?! Their only portrait request was to replicate a black-and-white wartime photo

Getting to know Ariel and Aaron was an absolute pleasure. As some of the most friendly, generous people you will ever meet, their wedding day had no shortage of smiles! Seriously – when these two are together, you can just feel the love 🙂 I think each and every vendor who helped make this wedding day come together would agree!

Ariel and Aaron: Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having us in August!! Your wedding was a joy to capture, I wish you nothing but the best in your future together. Mazel Tov!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Ignite Glass Studio/Hotel: St. Jane/Wedding Planner: Wedicity/Bride’s dress: purchased at Something New Bridal, tailored by Ette/Bride’s shoes: Converse/Groom’s suit: Ted Baker/Florals: YJ Decorating/Hair Stylist: Pin Me Up Chicago/Makeup: Family member/Invitation: Zola.com/Rings: New York Jewelers/Violinist: Ruby Harris/DJ: DJ Chicago/Caterer: Zelda’s Catering/2nd photographer: Jeremy

Alex and Jason’s Lacuna Lofts wedding was a highlight of our summer. Not only are these two super friendly, affectionate, and in LOVE, they know how to throw a party! Guests traveled from near and far to witness these two exchange vows and celebrate into the night.

Jason and Alex wanted to keep things local by tying the knot in their neighborhood. For instance, Jason got ready at their Pilsen home, while Alex enjoyed her morning at The W Hotel downtown. When we all met at Lacuna for their first look, sparks flew! Their stylish wedding party joined us for photos at the venue. We had a blast “staying cool” in the 100+ degree Chicago summer 🙂

These two are so clearly surrounded by love and support. This celebration would not have been what it was without the countless friends and family in attendance! The entire EMP team was present to capture their day, and it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of. One of my favorite things was the furry guest who joined us for champagne at night… you’ll see what I mean.

Alex and Jason: THANK YOU again for having us in July!! We loved your wedding and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Lacuna Lofts/Hotel: W Chicago City Center/Wedding Planner: VS1 Events/Bride’s dress: Pronovias/Bride’s shoes: Kailee P/Groom’s suit: J. Ferrar/Florals and Decor: Elegance Decor/Hair Stylist: Pierre Melo/Makeup Artist: Monica Rogers/Invitation: Vistaprint/Engagement ring: Professional Gems Jewelry/Wedding bands: Zales/DJ: Best Life Entertainment/Videographer: Amy Lynn for EMP/Photo Booth: Emma Mullins Photography/Caterer: LM Catering/Dessert: Vanille Patisserie/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Want to see more Alex & Jason? Check out their awesome Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

Many of you know that Door County has a special place in my heart. Consequently, I will jump at any opportunity to visit! This summer, I joined a group of mostly local wedding vendors for a lavender-inspired styled shoot at Stone’s Throw Winery. With some planning, a little love, and a LOT of talent, we were able to create an intimate, French countryside vibe in the middle of the Midwest! Yep, a Wisconsin winery wedding is a thing 🙂

If you didn’t know, some of the only lavender farms in the Midwest are located on Washington Island, right off the Wisconsin peninsula. I had been talking with Jenna of Lavender & Co. Events about a collaboration (guess where the idea came from!), and we were both drawn toward this region. Jenna’s business thrives on including lavender whenever possible, and it definitely has a presence in the wedding world. We wanted to utilize as much of the locally grown plant as possible.

Stone’s Throw Winery in Bailey’s Harbor was the perfect venue to host our shoot. We could not be happier with the way this turned out! Our models stunned in mis-matched attire while honoring the lavender/blue color palette. And the florals… don’t get me started! I have known Krista of Native Sage & Co. for a few years now and had no doubt she’s create something exceptional. If you’re looking for a florist in the Green Bay/Madison area, definitely check her out!

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Neil and Stephanie at the winery! Not to mention Jackie and Dylan for playing bride and groom, and the wedding party for making this shoot a breeze. Note the extremely handsome officiant… had my eye on that guy the entire day!

All vendors did an incredible job, it was a pleasure working with you all!

Vendor Team

Venue: Stone’s Throw Winery/Wedding Planner: Lavender & Co. Events/Bride’s dress: Monirose/Groom’s suit: Express/Florals: Native Sage Co./Hair & Makeup: Hair by Kari/Stationery: Emery Ann Design/Table: Vintage Farmhouse Tables/Rentals: Lavender & Co. Events, BBJ Linen/Jewelry: Leffler & Bellamy/Groom’s ring: Manly Bands/Videographer: Falkum Creative/Cookies + Cake: Yield Bakehouse

I cannot express enough wonderful things about Natalie and Ana’s Chicago loft wedding at Concord Fifty-Five in August. From our first meeting, I knew we’d be a perfect fit! These two love to travel, and they planned to wed exactly one year after the date Ana proposed in Central Park. Every detail was purposeful, from the signage to the centerpieces to the color scheme. And, bonus: just look at the way they gush over each other! I could not wait to photograph their wedding 🙂

Many aspects of their wedding day were either handmade or personal in some way. In fact, most decor items were repurposed from the Nashville Flea Market – one of their favorite trips together! Others were salvaged and shined up for the occasion with help from family members. Guests enjoyed delicious food from Café con Leche in Logan Square, where Ana and Natalie had their first date! Finally, we ended the night with a dazzling sparkler exit photo including all their guests. What an incredible scene to be a part of.

Ana & Natalie: Thank you again for having me capture your wedding day!! You two were a joy to work with and I wish you forever happiness. CONGRATS again to you both!

Vendor Team

Venue: Concord Fifty-Five/Both brides’ dresses: David’s Bridal/Both brides’ shoes: Steve Madden/Hair + Makeup: Chicago Avenue Salon/Engagement and wedding bands: Zales/Florals: Sprout/Officiant: Erika the Officiant/Caterer: Café con Leche/DJ: Angels With an Edge/Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Jane and John’s Wisconsin Hubbard Park Lodge wedding took place on a lovely summer evening. Connecticut is their home, but because Jane is from – well, Janesville – they decided to make their wedding a destination Midwest getaway. Hubbard Park Lodge is one of my favorite spots in Milwaukee for a fish fry (and now weddings!), and not far from where I grew up. They always have my favorite beer on tap and there is never a shortage of polka music. Feels like home 🙂

I love when a venue can host both the ceremony and reception. Jane and John tied the knot on a perfect August afternoon along the Milwaukee River. A longtime friend officiated. Friends contributed with various readings and musical talents (seriously – they are talented!), and the officiant did a fabulous job keeping everyone on their toes. Jane wore a sash hand-stitched by her mother, including a single blue bead as her something blue. One of the most memorable parts of the ceremony was when Jane’s father stood up from his wheelchair to walk her down the aisle. Even though he recently survived a bicycle accident, he didn’t let that stop him. Of course, he received a standing ovation! I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye on the lawn!

After golden hour portraits Jane and John joined cocktail hour in the new beer garden on premises, and finally the reception. Friends and family said many beautiful words, gave hugs, and everyone present thoroughly enjoyed each others’ company. There was something about the positive energy in the room I’ll never forget.

Jane and John: Thanks again for having me in August! I’m so grateful to have captured these moments for you. Wishing you nothing but happiness in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Hubbard Park Lodge/Bride’s Dress: BHLDN (Hitherto)/Groom’s Suit: Jos. A. Bank/Florals: Urban Sense/Invitation: Vistaprint/Dessert: Simma’s Bakery/Polka Band: Tom Brusky Band